Vehicle Inspection: MOT, Safety Checks, and Roadworthy Certificates
Most countries require periodic vehicle inspections. The specifics vary, but the principle is the same: prove your car won't kill anyone.
UK: MOT
The MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is required annually for vehicles over 3 years old.
What's checked:
- Lights and signals
- Steering and suspension
- Brakes
- Tyres and wheels
- Seatbelts
- Exhaust and emissions
- Body and structure (rust, damage)
- Windscreen and wipers
Cost: Maximum £54.85 (set by law). Many garages charge less.
Failure: If your car fails, you can't legally drive it (except directly to a garage for repairs or a pre-booked retest).
Timing: You can get tested up to a month early without losing time on your certificate.
US: Vehicle Inspection
Requirements vary dramatically by state.
Annual safety inspection: Required in about 15 states (Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, etc.)
Emissions testing: Required in many urban areas, even in states without safety inspections.
No inspection: Many states (Florida, Michigan, etc.) have no regular inspection requirement.
Check your state's specific requirements. They change.
Canada: Safety Inspection
Ontario: Required when transferring ownership or if ordered by police. No annual requirement.
BC: AirCare emissions testing in Metro Vancouver (being phased out). Safety inspection for older vehicles.
Alberta: No mandatory inspections for personal vehicles.
Quebec: No annual inspection, but required for registration transfers.
Australia: Roadworthy Certificate
NSW: Pink slip required annually for vehicles over 5 years old.
Victoria: Roadworthy certificate required only when selling or re-registering.
Queensland: Safety certificate required for sale or transfer.
WA: Annual inspection for vehicles over certain age.
The Point
Inspections catch problems before they become dangerous. Even if your jurisdiction doesn't require them, an annual check by a mechanic is sensible maintenance.
Track when yours is due. We'll remind you in time to book.